FREE CO P Y
www.theplayatimes.com
October 15-22, 2013 Weekly, Year 01, Number 03, 10,000 Copies, 16 Pages
HOME SWEET HOME Buying a property is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life, but how can you do it in Mexico? Here we have the fundamental key: The Fideicomiso, which enables you to buy a home in The Riviera Maya. SEE PAGE 8
Faith and Devotion on the Day of the Dead For almost three thousand years Mexican people, especially Mayans, celebrate their dead relatives in a colorful festival of music and local flavor in contemporary Playa del Carmen.
See Page 12
The Mayan Watchtower See Page 6
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theplayatimes
EDITORIAL
Editorial By Solomon Freimuth
I DIRECTORY Solomon Freimuth Managing Director solomon@theplayatimes.com Omar Tornel Managing Editor omar@theplayatimes.com Gema García Chief Reporter gema@theplayatimes.com Rocio Chávez Marketing Director rocio@theplayatimes.com Mario Jiménez Distribution Director distribucion@theplayatimes.com
Contact Us At: www.theplayatimes.com info@theplayatimes.com theplayatimes @theplayatimes 984-147-6515
THE PLAYA TIMES PLAYA DEL CARMEN’S COMMUNITY PAPER
Periódico Semanal. Editor responsable: Solomon Michael Freimuth. Número de Certificado de Reserva otorgado por el Instituto Nacional de Derechos de Autor: (PENDIENTE). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Título: (en trámite). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Contenido: (en trámite). Domicilio de la publicación: 10 Ave. Nte. Mza. 62 Lt. 2 D-12, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P 77710. Imprenta: Diario El Quintanarroense, S.A. de C.V. Av. 115 Nte. Mz. 189 Lote 11 entre calle 12 y 14, Col. Ejidal, Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo.
n true tooting our own horn fashion, I am so pleased with the way that issue 2 of The Playa Times turned out, and am even more pleased with the reception that it got from the Playa del Carmen public. I feel that the team of editors, designers, writers and other contributors to the paper did a spectacular job of creating a piece of periodical work that we can all be hugely proud of. In the last week I have had various people in different establishments and events around Playa congratulate me on my paper. With that in mind I want to make it very clear that The Playa Times is most definitely not my paper, it is our community paper. It is the paper created by our talented staff that I have already mentioned. It is a paper that was somebody else’s idea that I have just been lucky enough to be part of. AND I’M DONE TOOTING Our two biggest obstacles this week were not nearly as glaring or painful as last week’s debacles, but I want to address them in the spirit of constructive self-criticism: First, and most importantly, we have heard that our distribution list is a little inaccurate. Many people have been searching for the paper in places that we mentioned and haven’t found it. There are a variety of reasons for this: some places ran out faster than we can supply them (what a wonderful problem to have for a new newspaper), a major distribution spot that we have been announcing for weeks has changed the deal so many times that we are about to give up on them completely and one distribution center refused to stock our paper because it contained an article that featured one of their competitors. We will continue to refine our distribution list to include only places that will actually have the paper. The Playa Times’ staff would like to thank those locations for their help getting the paper off the ground. Next, and falling into the category of style decision more than error, the second issue featured much more content about serving the community than events or tourist information. We have a commitment to helping the Riviera Maya community but also need to promote the other aspects of the area, so we will be trying to create more of a balance of current events, attractions and community content. Please bear with us while we find that balance.
Meet Our Board of Governors Throughout history, mankind has had leaders who have contributed to the progress and stability of society; in Playa del Carmen we also have them. These individuals are men and women who have adopted Playa del Carmen as their home, and have established roots that reach into the community. They are known for their expe-
rience and wisdom and are always willing to share their knowledge all with the members of the local community. The Advisory Board of Governors exists to serves as our guide to better serve the community and to assess our performance and to constantly remind us of our mission. We are proud to introduce to our respected board members.
theplayatimes
COMMUNITY
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Yoliguani Women’s Refuge By Gema García
"P
rotecting life, from the very moment of conception”, that is the motto of the Yoliguani organization. Yoliguani means “gift of life” in Nahuatl, the ancient Aztec language. For the past six years this group has helped young women who have been rejected or abandoned by their families or partners after becoming pregnant. Margarita Aguilar, the director of the association in Playa del Carmen talked about the difficult work they carry out every day. “On November 14th we will reach our sixth year of assisting young pregnant women who do not have support. This year, thirteen babies were born with our help”. “We are very proud to help these little babies in order to give them a home. We know that many other people need help also, but we need more support to keep helping them”, said Margarita Aguilar. Sra. Leticia Montaño looks after the association’s residential house and serves as a substitute mother figure for these young women. She is in charge of making the experience of motherhood more pleasant for them. “Most of these girls are between 22 and 26 years of age. We welcome and listen to them all, but without judging. Most of them do want to have the baby and they come from dysfunctional families. They are usually from the poorer states of the Republic and have been sweet-talked by boys. They do not realize that life is not like that. They get pregnant and the boys run away”. Margarita Aguilar said that the most important thing is to let them know that they are not alone by giving them love, so they do not get depressed. “At Yoliguani the golden rule is not judging the girls that arrive at the house. No matter what their religion, age or social level, we welcome all of them with tenderness”. Currently at Yoliguani House, there are young women who were deceived, in most of the cases, by men who promised to stay with them. However, after getting pregnant they were abandoned even though they had nowhere to live. In other
cases their families did not accept their pregnancy and they were kicked out of their homes. “Our main need now is collecting money as we already have a piece of land, but the house we currently use is not ours”. “Oxxo stores have supported us throughout our project but we do not have enough funds yet. There is a long way to go because we want to grow and become self-sustainable, so we will be able to look after more girls that need our help”. “What we want is to reduce abortions. Because they are forbidden in Quintana Roo, we know about illegal doctors that perform abortions in unsanitary conditions. These doctors just want to make money”. Finally, Margarita invited every national and foreigner to support in any way they can, in donations such as diapers or clothes, or cash, in order to give newborns a place to live. Supporters will be able to receive a tax-deductible receipt, for businesses that may make donations. If you would like to visit Yoliguani House Margarita Aguilar, the director of the asso- you may call Leticia Montaño on 8039838. ciation Yoliguani in Playa del Carmen
TUESDAY
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32-25 °F Chance of Rain Chance of Precipitation 40%
33-24°F Clear Chance of Precipitation 0%
32-25 F° Partly Cloudy Chance of prepitation 0%
31-25F° Partly Cloudy Chance of precipitation 0%
32-26 F° Partly Cloudy Chance of precipiation 0%
33-25 F° Chance of Thunderstorm Chance of precipitation 20%
32-25 F° Partly Cloudy Chance of precipitation 0%
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theplayatimes
LOCAL NEWS
Protect Yourself Against Dengue By Dr. Antonio Olivares
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Mosquitoes are part of the biodiversity in almost every ecosystem of the planet but in some cases they become a problem, especially as they may cause dengue fever. Dengue is an infectious illness caused by a virus which is transmitted to humans through the infected Aedes Aegypti (or yellow fever mosquito) bite, a species that lives in the Western hemisphere. In America, during the last 200 years, dengue epidemics have happened regularly. Nevertheless, since 1980, in most countries the transmission of this illness and the frequency of the epidemics has risen due to the fast growth of city populations with insufficient sanitation services and lack of resources for water storage and waste disposal, which creates optimal conditions for mosquito propagation. There are four serotypes of the virus, technically called DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 or DEN4. When someone is infected with one of them for the first time, they get classic dengue and can never have this type of the illness again, although they could be infected with another type. But if this person is bitten again, by a mosquito that carries one of the remaining viruses, they can get hemorrhagic dengue, which is the illness’ most serious form and can be lethal if it is not properly treated. Female mosquitoes mostly feed on human blood in order to develop their eggs. They
bite uncovered body parts such as ankles, arms or neck, anytime day or night but usually at dusk. Dengue occurs when a mosquito feeds on a person who is already carrying the disease and then bites other people, who could then also become infected. Dengue can never be transmitted directly from person to person. If a transmitting mosquito bites someone, they will develop symptoms within 5 to 7 days, although shorter (3 days) and longer periods (14 days) have also been reported. THE SYMPTOMS When somebody suffers from dengue for the first time, the symptoms are a sudden high fever, intense headache, back and joint pain, nausea and vomiting. Some patients
may have a rash on their trunk, arms and legs. In some cases they may suffer bleeding from the nose or gums. These symptoms may appear within 5 to 8 days after being bitten and can persist for 3 to 7 days. In cases of hemorrhagic dengue, fever may last from 2 to 7 days and it is usually accompanied with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and headache, as well as a tendency to bruise or develop skin rashes, nose or gum bleeding or casual internal bleeding that can present itself as intense abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing and a cough. REVENTION There is no vaccine that prevents dengue. The best way to keep the illness away in areas where Aedes Aegyp-
ti abounds is by eliminating places where mosquitoes lay eggs, mainly where still water gathers. Places such as sinks, plastic containers, barrels or water tanks must be covered. Water dispensers for animals and vases must be regularly emptied and washed. This will help eliminate eggs and larvae and will reduce the number of mosquitoes. Holes in trees and walls must be sealed with cement. Accumulated water in containers, puddles, tires, sinks, bricks and other objects must be eliminated. It is also recommended to replace the water in flower vases and plant pots with wet sand in work and study areas as well as to bury all kind of waste, such as fruit peel, and to throw away any containers that can gather water.
TREATMENT First of all a doctor must diagnose you. Once the dengue is confirmed it is important to drink plenty of liquids or oral rehydration solution, especially if the patient suffers from vomiting or diarrhea. The sick person must rest, control high temperatures and any serious sudden abdominal pain, and monitor any difficulty in breathing or bleeding (mainly in the first 5 days of the illness). Patients should take acetaminophen to control pain, never aspirin because it may increase the risk of hemorrhages. You must see a doctor as soon as you have any bleeding, difficulty breathing, face inflammation, vomiting or diarrhea, changes in blood pressure, paleness, sweating or drowsiness. It is recommended to prevent mosquito bites by placing mosquito nets on the sick person’s bedroom windows or doors (preferably impregnated with insecticide) until he has no fever; also look for mosquito nests at home and destroy them as well as inform the closest health centre about the case of dengue in order to avoid its propagation. Note the importance in taking preventative measures against the infection and spread of dengue and taking care of you and your family’s health.
CHIROPRACTOR
For a safe, effective chiropractor DR. RICHARD Mc CARTHY at THE NEW GYM, Playa del Carmen tel: 984 873 20 98
Weekly Winners By Rocío Chávez We launched a contest to find out more about our expat friends living in beautiful Playa del Carmen, and we received some pretty interesting stories! The weekly winner will receive 400 pesos to enjoy the delicious skewers, tacos, desserts and drinks at BROchetas! Plus their story or photos will be published in The Playa Times. Here is Vicky Lyall's winning story and picture, along with two more pictures that were really close to winning. Congratulations Vicky!! Once upon a time (in 2005) it was a cold, dreary winter in Boston with little or no sunshine available. Hardworking professionals, Scot and Vicki Lyall needed some sun therapy, we didn't care where in the world we went as long as we could sit, relax besides a pool or ocean, and soak up the sun. We ended up using Skyauction.com and purchased a great deal for a
week at the Royal Hideaway in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico - a place we had never heard of or been to. Didn't matter - just give us the sun and we will be happy people. We checked in, soaked up the sun as desired, didn't venture out to the town, never left the complex, and didn’t experience the Mexican culture. But what we did do is enjoy a Mayan coffee every day at the afternoon teas offered by the hotel. And by Thursday, when thoughts turned to returning to Boston, we decided we needed to find out how to make Mayan coffee in order to continue enjoying it at home. "Oh, you have to have Ixtabentum, the Mayan liquor; you can get it just nearby in town at the liquor store". Okay, it was time to leave the reservation, to hoof it to that store for the Mayan liquor. On the way, we passed a real estate office and wondered aloud "I wonder what all these condos cost that they are building”. We went in, got chatted
up, got taken to town houses in Playacar, and a construction site of a complex at the north end of town in the Coco Beach area. Saw the beaches in both locations. Slept on it. Friday morning we had decided to buy pre-construction at the north end because of its beautiful beach; the realtor, undoubtedly fearing buyers' remorse, drove us to Cancun to the developer to sign papers that day; and we were suddenly and so very stupidly, and impulsively, owners of a pre-construction condo in Mexico, in a town that we hadn't even researched, visited, explored or anything. For smart people, we were pretty dumb. For those out there who know of Les Alizes (now known as "ALIZES"), you know that we bought into troubles, but we have never
regretted our purchase or our stupid impulsiveness. We love our complex, we actively got involved in the 'fix and finish' of our complex, which is now a sought-after rental location where you can sleep at night with the sliders open for the breezes. Three years after we took possession, we retired early, sold everything and now live in beautiful Playa full time except when we explore the rest of the world. We love Playa, we love Mexi-
co, and all has worked out wonderfully. And every January 15th, we go celebrate our good fortune by enjoying a Mayan coffee. That's our story and we are sticking to it! Keep sending us whatever you'd like to share with our community; it can be a picture, advice, a story, your plans, good news, etc. We love hearing from you and you too could win 400 pesos to spend at BROchetas!
theplayatimes
COMMUNITY
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A Personal Fight Against Breast Cancer By Gema García
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Keep Kids in School Project we bought boxes and boxes of school supplies for the teachers The KKIS Project (Keep Kids to distribute as they determine in School) is a volunteer or- best. The process for getting ganization of ex-patriots and Mexican citizens dedicated to English speaking volunteers helping the children of low in- into the classrooms is culturally come families in Playa del Car- new to Mexican schools and is men continue their education. challenging. A dedicated group We do this by providing school of volunteers spent one aftersupplies to kids and English noon every week during the speaking volunteers in clas- last school year in first, second srooms, so students may prac- and third grade classrooms, tice the language that will help working with small groups of 5 give them a step up to employ- or 6 students speaking English. They have studied spiders and ment opportunities. Our process for providing tigers, cut pictures from maschool supplies starts with re- gazines and built paper dolls commendations from friends, labeling the parts of clothing lists of students from teachers, in English and practiced counlocal churches and from re- ting money. These classroom quests. We meet the families hours center around encourawho need aid and word spreads ging the children to speak with very quickly within their com- the volunteers in English bemunity of friends. An appli- cause practice is the very best cation and proof of income is way to learn a language and for required from each family re- the students, this is immersion questing aid. These applica- as very few of the volunteers tions are reviewed and those speak Spanish. School supplies are always who qualify are notified when and where the supplies will be needed and there is a list of delivered. We also ask for a list supplies on both our websiof supplies required for each te: www.thekkisproject.org and child, and backpacks are then on Facebook: The KKIS Project. individually filled with the ma- The drop off location for donaterials needed. The supplies are tions is The Snorkel Shop on delivered in July and August Calle 28 between Ave. 1 and the just before school begins for the beach, or contact us at the address on the website so we can New Year. One of the schools we have arrange to pick things up. There helped for the past two years is is a PayPal account on our weCristo Rey, in a neighborhood bsite for monetary donations that has been recently carved also. Volunteers are needed once out of the jungle. Parents built the school: cinderblock walls, a week for an hour in the classtick window covers, a tin roof sroom during the school year, over four classrooms and a and in the summer helping buy bathroom for 150 kids. Tea- supplies, pack backpacks and chers are students from univer- deliver them. If you have time sity who spend a year living and and energy, please contact us. working at the school in return The gratitude on these kids’ fafor discounted tuition the fo- ces and the knowledge that we llowing year. Rather than pro- are making a difference in their viding backpacks for each child, lives makes this all worthwhile. By Jane Lowe
ancer is one of the most lethal illnesses of the world. The most common forms of which are breast, lung, liver and colon cancer. In Mexico breast cancer is the main cause of death in women between 40 and 60 years of age. Each year, 3,500 women die from this disease and October has now been universally designated as the month to promote prevention. So far, hundreds of women have joined breast cancer awareness and prevention movements. One of them is 27 years old Bárbara Loria, who personally lived through this terrible disease. She talked with The Playa Times about her experiences and her journey to recovery. Now she advises women about breast cancer and how to prevent it. “Seven years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt a lump in my breast and went to see a doctor, he told me it was just a cyst and could be eliminated with a treatment. After two months there had been no i mp r ove m e n t , so I consulted an oncologist who confirmed a breast cancer that had reached the third of four stages of the illness”, remembered Bárbara with concern. “Back then,
there was not a single place in the state where I could get the treatment I needed, so I had to make constant trips to the city of Mérida”. During the first 18 months, Bárbara received 15 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 radiation treatments and surgery. “Physically the consequences can be devastating. Between each round of chemotherapy the defenses go down, which left me prone to general illnesses. Hair falls out and I did not like using wigs or headscarves. I was shocked at my reflection in the mirror and I did not recognize myself as time went on. I felt ugly and I couldn’t do anything about it, which made me feel powerless”. After finishing her program of treatments, Bárbara had to wait for 5 years to make sure that her cancer was completely eradicated. And it was during this period that she decided it was her duty to do something to help prevent women from suffering the same experiences. “Every time I got a round of chemotherapy or radiation therapy I met a lot of women that were waiting for their own treatments. Many of them told me that they had spent the night there. I found women with very few resources who could not even afford the treatment their lives depended on”. Through the “Vive Intenso” association Bárbara arranges fund-raising events, raising money to provide free mammograms. The association also organizes prevention talks, which she believes is as important as actual cancer treatment. During October she will join DIF Solidaridad and Hospital General to promote self-examination and diagnostic testing. Their aim is to reduce the number of deaths caused by breast cancer. At present and due to her fight against cancer, Bárbara is a woman full of life that can look to the future and enjoy a long life.
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theplayatimes
ARTS & CULTURE
Mayans, the Ancestral Guards By Gema García
B
etween the hotels and restaurants of Quinta Avenida and 14th street, there is a structure dating back to well before the modern day history of Playa del Carmen. It is a building that faces the sea and has two entrances that in the past allowed the sunlight to pass through. Nowadays it is a National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) listed building and thanks to the current landowners, it still retains the magic of its old inhabitants, who were always watching out across the Caribbean Sea. “As you can see, the building faces the water which indicates that Mayans used it as a look out. From here they kept guard over the surrounding area and when they saw something getting closer, they immediately blew into a seashell, so that the sound was heard by other settlements close by”, explains René Alberto Anguiano, the site caretaker.
are located at certain intervals all the way to Chichen Itza pyramid, where the main Mayan authorities were, and as the message travelled they eventually received the alert”. It should be mentioned that the height of the building was not the only clever design feature, since just a few meters away there is a cenote that provided water to the settlement. Close to them, there are also several caves that could be possibly used as a shelter during the changing of the guard. These archaeological remains continue to tell us stories about one of the pillar cultural communities of Mexico. This site is open daily to the public and the flora, fauna, cenotes and caves that have been carefully preserved may be seen.
These days the site is located amongst restaurants and hotels, but its original structure remains, says Anguiano, and it shows the way the Mayans used to communicate: “These type of structures
The Art of Sculpture in Sand By Gema García
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n idea is born, develops and lives, but never dies in an artist’s imagination. It evolves little by little in his mind until an unstoppable force causes its birth. José Luis González is a sculptor that has chosen the sand as the raw material in which to realize his ideas. He creates giant pieces that can reach up to three meters high and that can currently be admired on the beach here in Playa. For more than 20 years, José Luis has focused his efforts into perfecting his technique in sand sculpture, creating magnificent works and an art that also takes him around the world. He also shares his artistic skills by teaching others his techniques. At present his sand sculpture exhibition can be seen on Playa Piñatas, located next to the public ferry pier. He has found this area produces the perfect sand for shaping. Residents and tourists from all over the world do not hesitate to take their pictures next to his incredible sculptures. He has also created a wishing well made of sand where people may make a wish before throwing a coin. Thanks to that well the sculptor keeps creating, as he is not paid for his work. With these donations he pays the assistants that are essential in achieving his work. “I arrived in Playa del Carmen 14 years ago. I have traveled to other places to exhibit my pieces from time to time, but I always come back. Here I can do what I like most and people en-
joy seeing my art too. Sand sculpture is a beautiful art that allows the use of a material given by the nature without affecting it, because the sand stays in the same place where it came from and it is not necessary to add anything to it but water”. “During last summer, I gave courses to children and teenagers and now I am working on a sand cemetery that I hope to finish by Day of the Dead, so everyone can come by and see the figures that will relate one of the most important celebrations in Mexico”. Finally, José Luis ended by making an appeal to protect and respect the beaches: “beaches are not an ash tray or a dump. I see it every day. Our beaches are something we all use so we must take care of them”.
theplayatimes
LOCAL NEWS
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GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE CRISTO REY SCHOOL
By Gema García
"T
hese kind of actions allow us to teach every child the true meaning of our municipality, Solidaridad. All of them should realize that the unity and the efforts of parents, entrepreneurs and society aim to help those who need it”, said the municipal mayor of Solidaridad, Mauricio Góngora Escalante at the ground breaking ceremony marking the construction of the National Commission for Educational Development (CONAFE) Christo Rey School’s new library and bathrooms. The construction will made possible with the resources from the Civil Association “Mano a Mano por Solidaridad” and entrepreneurs of Playa del Carmen. The donations have come from non-governmental organizations and events such
as “Un Kilómetro de a Peso por la Educación”. The mayor of Solidaridad and his wife Cynthia Osorio de Góngora, the president of the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF), visited the students and teachers of the CONAFE pre-school in Colonia Cristo Rey, where they played and talked with them. The mayor confirmed the process of the construction and said: “Being at this school is special. I am glad to see that children are eager to learn”. He underlined the importance of giving them the tools to improve the quality of their learning. He then committed to build a covered sports area at the school, giving children an appropriate place to exercise and play. “We, as a municipal authority, achieve our commitments and building a covered sports
area is one of them, because we want children to become want we want them to be, the builders of a better Solidaridad”, said Góngora Escalante. Likewise, Sr. Sergio Jiménez, the CONAFE Cristo Rey School founder and resident of the community, emphasized the work of Mauricio Góngora in supporting the Christo Rey community and the immediate response to the request for improving the educational facilities. “He deserves recognition from all of us. We are convinced that you, Sr. Mauricio, are going to be our best mayor and that you are going to support us”, noted Sr. Jiménez. Góngora said, as well, that education is a priority for his administration, and that he will provide every school in Solidaridad with sport areas.
The municipal mayor of Solidaridad, Mauricio Góngora Escalante and the president of the DIF, Cynthia Osorio de Góngora.
ROTARY CLUB PLAYA DEL CARMEN SEASIDE (English Speaking)
Now Meets At
BUENOS AIRES RESTAURANT
CORNER OF 5TH AVENUE AND 34TH STREET TUESDAYS, 12:30 PM VISITORS ARE WELCOME FOR MORE INFO, E-MAIL KWDOUG1@YAHOO.COM
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October 15-22 2013
theplayatimes
REAL STATE
I FOUND MY DREAM HOME IN MÉXICO, CAN I BUY IT? By Solomon Freimuth
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echnically, according to Mexico’s Constitution, nonMexicans cannot purchase real estate within 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) of the coast or within 100 kilometers (about 65 miles) of an international border. That said, many expats find a way to “purchase” their dream home in Mexico through the Fideicomiso. A fideicomiso or trust is a contract between its beneficiary and a financial institution in which the parties agree that the bank will, for a yearly fee, be the legal owner and manager of some asset for a determined amount of time, in order to ensure that the beneficiary of the trust can enjoy and use the asset as if they were the asset's owner. This means that through a fideicomiso, a specified Mexican bank agrees to be the legal owner of a piece of real estate so that the beneficiary can vacation there, rent the property to other tourists, remodel the kitchen and then, when the time comes to send the youngest to medical school, sell the villa for a healthy profit. All the while, the bank is the legal owner. The reason for the restrictions on foreign ownership of land is that in 1917 when the Constitution came into effect, Mexico was coming off a rough period in its history and the majority of the people were feeling taken advantage of by various foreign factions (the French, the Spanish, The Americans, etc.) and, therefore, decided that limiting what the foreigners could own outright was a good way to protect Mexico's interests. This protection has stuck, but some brilliant lawyer decided to use the trust to, in a way, circumvent the prohibition of foreigners owning beachfront land.
The Changes
Recently, Mexico’s new President, Enrique Peña Nieto has been toying with the idea of reforming the Constitution to do away with the need for foreigners to use a fideicomiso to purchase land, but as of yet this country’s Senate has not ratified the reforms.
Setting up a fideicomiso is fairly straightforward, although it is recommendable to hire a qualified attorney or title company to do the initial set up, as they often can get the best rates for their clients. Contrary to popular belief, expats do not need any special immigration status in Mexico in order to create a fideicomiso, the standard tourist card (called an FMM) that is given out at the airport and a passport are sufficient documentation for the foreigner to acquire his or her piece of the Caribbean. The fideicomiso contract must be signed before a Public Notary in Mexico and requires previous authorization from the Secretary of Exterior Relations. The initial set up costs for a trust contract are typically about $15,000 pesos for the government permit, $200-500 USD for the bank’s signing fee and the first year’s payment, which is usually between $500-$750 USD. Multiple properties can be included in the same fideicomiso agreement, upon approval by the bank that issues the trust. Many investors find that this is a good option for purchasing a variety of properties in Mexico while keeping the yearly fee low. When it comes time to sell the real estate, the trust can either be canceled and the property sold to a Mexican or a Mexican corporation, or if the next buyer is also a foreigner, the trust can be modified to reflect the property’s new owner.
theplayatimes
PLAYA PLACES
THE MAYAN
October 15-22 2013
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WORLD OF CENOTES By Gemma García
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Cenotes amaze even the most critical eye due to the extreme beauty of their crystalline waters that filter the dancing rays of the sun. Many of them have revealed to us the story of the Mayan faith. It was at these places that they summoned underworld beings by sending them living offerings, libations and beautiful jewels. In the Yucatán Peninsula alone, there are two thousand cenotes officially registered. However, some experts indicate that there could be up to ten thousand in total. In the northern area of Quintana Roo, which covers Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, there are a thousand registered cenotes. Most of them are open to the public and may be visited and explored by swimming, snorkeling and diving. Cenotes are the places where underwater rivers, which may flow for many miles, surface. It means that just about anywhere under our feet there could be a river that reaches the ocean without even being noticed. We are only aware of a fraction of the cenotes. The fact that so many still lie undiscovered has caused their damage in some cases. The building of constructions on them is threatening their future. Mauricio Madrigal, the president of the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Cenotes Committee of Solidaridad and director general of the Mexican Association for Environment Conservation, explained to The Playa Times the importance of joining the committee in order to help preserve the cenotes.
“We all must understand the fragility of these ecosystems and realize the fact that the running water in our homes comes mostly from cenotes, so we want them clean. Let’s think about the influence a single action has. Just one person can cause a significant effect; we have to stop thinking that a single person’s impact is not enough to damage the environment. If this impact multiplies by 10 or 20 thousand times, it can be devastating. It is time to change the paradigm of “what I do does not matter”. It does matter”. Mauricio Madrigal mentioned that his aim is to make the community integrate to form a committee for the protection of the cenotes: “It is hard to imagine that everybody will join, but if we form sectors where groups of people support as best they can, we will be able to do many things together. Maybe some people have no time to help but they can support from their computers or by coming once a week to see us. Most important is the creation of a network that will allow us to be aware of individual local situations”. The association invites every national and foreigner to become part of the actions that will help the preservation of the cenotes. You can contact the committee on www.omca.org.mx. “We want to raise the awareness of our project and involve tourists in the culture of conservation, making cenotes a part of the local identity so everyone realizes that this ecosystem is not just a natural swimming pool. They should be informed that cenotes represent Mayan traditions and there is a whole story behind those crystalline waters”, ended Mauricio Madrigal.
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theplayatimes
EVENTS
What´s On
By Gema García
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his week there is something happening for everyone, so there is no excuse to stay at home. This time we bring you not just events but activities, including courses and environmental projects. If you have any event that you would like us to publish, please send your information to gema@theplayatimes.com. Tuesday 15th - Organic Street Market from 9 am at the local DIF Headquarters located at 8th St. and 30th Ave. Locally grown organic vegetables, fruits and products. Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th - Art Exhibition from 7 pm at Quinta Avenida and 16 St. Free entrance. Thursday 17th & Friday 18th - Expomasaje International Congress at Riu Tequila Hotel in Playacar. Registration fee required, for more info www. expomasaje.org
Saturday 19th - “Kilo Verde” at fraccionamiento Balam-Tun from 9am to 1pm. Your recyclable waste will be swapped for local plants. Saturday 19th - Street Market at Parque La Ceiba. Located at 1st St. and 60th Ave in Colonia Ejidal from 8 am to 7pm. Local Mayan products, children’s activities, local food and dancing. Sunday 20th - Latin Reggae Festival at Señor Frog’s located at 1st St. and the beach, next to the ferry. Guest bands are Zona Ganjah and Dread Mar I. This event will be taking place simultaneously in 8 other cities. From 10pm onwards. Tickets available on the day.
OPEN HOUSE
@Oasis 12 Condos Mon-Sat from 11-3PM Ave 20 Calle 12 Tel 984-111-3164 www.area-international.com
PlayaLive
Supporting live music, musicians and events in Playa del Carmen
This is Paradise By Teena Clipston
Earth Wind & Fire performs November 30 at the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in Playa del Carmen
Music lovers, get ready to be romanced…imagine the warm salty breeze brushing against your skin, the moon in its brilliance, the sound of the waves kissing the shore, as the Caribbean Sea sets out to be the backdrop for one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world… and it gets better. Not only do some of the best entertainers grace the stage, but also the event is 100% free. Step into the dream, step into the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. The annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival was launched in 2003. Created to draw tourism to the region, it has proven successful with an expanding yearly au-
dience. Over 30,000 spectators are expected at this year’s event. The stage can be found November 28th, 29th and 30th, right on the beach brushed against the ocean at Mamita’s Beach Playa del Carmen in Centro Playa del Carmen. This year’s line-up includes renowned artists including Playa del Carmen’s very own Aguamala, Grammy-winning guitar virtuoso Frank Gambale, The Clare Fischer Latin Jazz Group directed by Brent Fischer, Scott Henderson—labeled the best Jazz Guitarist by both Guitar World and Guitar Player magazine, Jeff Berlin, legend on the electric bass, Dennis Chambers, known for his fast hands and triplets on the bass drum,
Grammy-winning pianist/composer Jim Beard, Ed Motta, one of the greatest talents of carioca music, accordion rebel Celso Piña, bass player Mathew Garrison, famous for having created and developed the pizzicato technique which uses four fingers, and finally to end the amazing weekend of Jazz – one of the most successful bands of the twentieth century, Earth Wind & Fire—known for sophisticated arrangements heavily steeped in jazz, soul and gospel. Rolling Stone magazine describes the band as, “innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated, yet galvanizing”. Get ready to have your soul lifted by creative sounds as each musician takes you to a higher place intertwined with the natural rhythms of the Caribbean Sea and the energy of those around you. This event is not to be missed.
PLAYA PLACES
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October 15-22 2013
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Visit Puerto Aventuras! By Gema GarcĂa
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The marina community of Puerto Aventuras is located south of Playa del Carmen. Surrounded by rainforest, it is one of the favorite haunts for nature lovers due to the abundance of wildlife and its innumerable cenotes. Puerto Aventuras has everything you need for a pleasant and tranquil life. It’s a wonderful place to visit for an evening walk, dinner or just to enjoy the incomparable sea view. Nowadays hotel resorts within Puerto Aventuras are world famous for their quality and location in the very heart of the Riviera Maya. They merge the magical and exuberant tropical beauty with the relaxing but sophisticated style of this cosmopolitan tourist destination. That is why life here has become a truly unique experience. Just twenty minutes away from Playa del Carmen and thirty minutes from Tulum, Puerto Aventuras not only has numerous five star hotels which attract so many visitors, but also amenities for the year round residents, such as a super-
market, shops, and several small waterside bars and restaurants. Together the resorts and easy access to the restaurants attract many retirees, who enjoy the broad range of activities and the easy-access shops. Puerto Aventuras is surrounded by several hills that protect it from north and south winds, so its marina is one of the safest places in the area to moor vessels. Some of the sea life that abound here are blue and white marlin, wahoo, sierra, dorado, bonito and barracuda, so it is THE place for sports fishing, par excellence. The choice is not that complicated: beautiful beaches, cenotes, eco-tourism, diving, snorkeling‌ The Riviera Maya has everything to enjoy life to its limit.
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October 15-22 2013
By E. Flores
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ou may have seen the altars, in shops, businesses, or homes, festooned with flowers, photos and personal mementos and wondered what it was all about. Nothing to do with the American or European holiday of Halloween, the Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican festival celebrating, well you may have guessed it - the dead. Like many religious or celebratory holidays, there is often a synthesis with pre-existing traditions and ancient festivals. The early pagan day of Samhain fell on 1st and 2nd of November and was seen as the time at the end of harvest when the spirits of the under world mingled with the living in the earthly world. All Saint's Day celebrated on November 1st is a Christian festival that commemorates the saints and martyrs. All Soul's Day is observed on 2nd November and November is a Catholic day of dedication, where the THE DAY OF souls of the THE DEAD departed are cleansed by the help of the prayers of the living and by a dedicated mass so they may pass through purgatory. 500 years ago, when the Hispanics arrived in Mexico they witnessed the Aztec "Samhain", where the goddess Mictecacihuatl or "Lady of the Dead" was worshipped during their harvest time with month long celebrations incorporating images and relics of the dead and food offerings. She was depicted as a de-fleshed body with gaping jaws. The church attempted to further
ARTS &CULTURE
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LIVING IT UP ON The Day of The Dead convert the locals by moving the Aztec festival to coincide with their existing solemn occasions of All Saint's and All Soul's, however the indigenous peoples prevailed and kept their existing folk customs and celebrations alive. The modern Day of the Dead or "Día de Los Muertos" spans two days, November 1st being dedicated to children as "Día de los Angelitos or Inocentes" and Nov-
ember 2nd to adults as "Día de los Muertos." The predominant symbols of the celebrations are skeletons or "calacas". These often colorful, comical figures represent the dead and may portray their previous occupations or pastimes. You may have also seen the more modern "Catrina", the well dressed, elegant, skeletal woman, who was the 19th century satirical artist José Posada's parody
of the then upper classes. She is now universally accepted as the icon of the Day of the Dead and perhaps could be seen today as a direct descendant of the ancient Mesoamerican goddess, Mictecacihuatl. Other symbolic tokens used in the celebrations are skulls or "calavera", marigold or "cempasúchil" flowers the fragrance of which is thought to lead the spirits of the dead home, copal incense, tissue p a p e r ban-
2nd
ners or " papel picardo" with intricately cut scenes and "Pan de Muerto" the specially baked sweet, sugary bread with crossed bones on top. These Day of the Dead symbols and crafts are now an important feature in modern Mexican folk art. The celebrations are essentially a private family feast, centered around their altars or "ofrendas”. But these usually spill over from the home into the community and local cemeteries, where extended families tend and embellish the graves of loved ones, bringing them their favorite foods or drinks. In some areas of Mexico they then "hang out" with their precedents during an all night candlelit vigil, holding a family reunion and picnic where the departed are remembered and revered through eating, drinking and dancing. This may all seem somewhat macabre to those who are not part of that culture. But death is celebrated in Mexico. Mexican poet and Nobel laureate, Octavio Paz commented on the people’s relationship with death saying, "To the people of New York, Paris, or London, "death" is a word that is never pronounced because it burns the lips. The Mexican, however, is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, and celebrates it. It is one of his favorite playthings and his most steadfast love". There are traditional sayings, songs and poems recited on the Day of the Dead containing euphemisms for death, where it is laughed at and mocked. Brightly colored sugar skulls are decorated and labeled with the names of the deceased and consumed by the living. Death is part of life in Mexico and the Day of the Dead marks another year of cheating death, as well as remembering those who did not, and this triumph over death therefore becomes a celebration of life.
The Best Pozole in Playa del Carmen By Sarah Chamberlain One of the things I love about living in Playa del Carmen is discovering local restaurants. So when a Mexican friend invited me to try ‘the best pozole in town,’ I jumped at the chance for a new culinary experience. Pozole is a soup that dates back to the pre-Colombian era, traditionally containing maize, meat (usually pork) and chili. It was once used for ritual purposes and today red, white and green versions are found on restaurant menus across Mexico. We pulled up in front of a non-descript building on Calle 6, between 10th and 15th Avenues. The only sign that we’d arrived at the restaurant was a small, hand-written menu positioned outside.
We made our way up the staircase and found ourselves in a quaint restaurant consisting of six small tables covered in red vinyl table cloths and a large open kitchen running the length of the room on one side. Stout women busied themselves over steaming bowls of delicious smelling concoctions as a small television played daytime soap operas in one corner. A dilapidated map of Mexico and a bunch of plastic chilies hung from the wall. We took our seats and ordered pozole all ‘round. My friend ordered a large for himself and a medium for me, warning me that the portions were generous. At just 45 pesos for a mediano size, including an agua de Jamaica and two crispy tacos dorados, I wondered how big it could possibly be. Two steaming bowls were
placed before us as well as all the recommended garnishes - crispy ice berg lettuce, fried tostadas, chopped onion, hot habaneros and of course, limon. I garnished my soup as my friend did, avoiding the habaneros just in case, then tucked in. More like a stew than a soup, I soon realised how filling pozole was and could see why it had maintained its position as an important national dish. It was delicious! Plump kernels of maize combined with tender shredded pork made it a very hearty meal, while the garnishes added texture and brought all the flavors to life. As the cooks worked their magic in the busy kitchen, we devoured the contents of our bowls. Daytime television sounded in the background
as other diners rose to leave, farewelling us with a polite, “Buen provecho.” I felt like I’d stepped back in time to traditional Mexico and almost forgot we were only two blocks away from touristy Fifth Avenue. My first pozole experience was a hit and I officially be-
came a convert. I have since tried a few different places in town, but I am yet to discover any better. I have to agree with my local friend – the unnamed restaurant on Calle 6, between 10th and 15th Avenues, serves the best pozole in town. Buen provecho.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
PLACES TO
Worship
THE CATHOLIC CHAPEL OF 5TH AVENUE AND1ST STREET SOUTH Monday to Saturday at 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm English Mass on Sundays at 10:00 am “NUESTRA SEÑORA" CATHOLIC CHURCH PLAYA DEL CARMEN 15th Avenue between 12th and 14th Street, Downtown. Masses from Monday to Saturday at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm Sundays 8:00 am, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm and 12:00 pm Mass with “mariachi” CHRISTIAN MEETINGS IN ENGLISH Sundays at 10:00 am in “City Express” hotel Federal Highway in front of “Vestir” plaza Cellphone 984 106 63 82 LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH English speaking non-denominational worships Sundays at 6:30 p.m. in Playa del Carmen, Ejido Sur. For more info call 984 120 4169 www.lighthousechurch.mx JEWISH WORSHIP Additional information at 20th Ave, between 8th and 6th St. Colonia Centro, from 8 am to 10 pm.
theplayatimes
October 15-22 2013
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October 15-22 2013
theplayatimes
ARIES (MARCH 21ST-APRIL 19TH) Surprising information will reach your ears. This nugget of news will rock your world! Clear out the clutter in your home on Wednesday. It's time to toss aside items that aren't wanted or needed. Be very discreet on Thursday. Create a new goal list on Sunday and don't waste your energy in pursuit of outdated ambitions. TAURUS (APRIL 20TH-MAY 20TH) Relationship issues could arise. A lover might want more personal space. A good night's sleep may be just what the doctor ordered. Confusion could boggle your mind when your ruler Venus squares Neptune on Thursday. An associate may ask you for a loan on Saturday, keep a firm grip on your wallet! GEMINI (MAY 21TH-JUNE 21TH) A rival will challenge you, so call on your smarts to outwit any opponent. Your agenda may change without warning on Tuesday. Rejuvenate your lifestyle on Friday. Quit a bad habit and walk on the path of wellness. A new companion will come into your life on Sunday; this person will be very clever! CANCER (JUNE 22ND- JULY 22ND) Celebrate the simple joys of living and watch the beauty of the sky at sunrise and sunset. You'll be tempted to overindulge your appetites when the Moon opposes Jupiter in Cancer on Friday. A partner could be in a quarrelsome mood on Saturday. A lost item will be returned to you on Sunday. LEO (JULY 23RD – AUGUST 22ND) A friend may ask you to invest in a financial scheme, only put in money you can afford to lose. You'll be very cheerful when the Moon aligns with your ruler Sun on Wednesday. The boss could increase your workload on Friday; this person knows you'll plow through the projects quickly! VIRGO (AUGUST 23RD – SEPTEMBER 22ND) Household repairs may be needed on Tuesday. Try not to worry on Thursday, as your fears are unfounded regarding a certain issue. A flash of insight will zing into your brain when the Moon aligns with your ruler Mercury on Friday. Use your newfound wisdom to resolve a difficult dilemma. LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23RD – OCTOBER 22ND) Generate good karma and think about devoting your time to a worthy cause. A colleague may be up to no good on Tuesday, don't get involved in the malicious games this individual plays. Your emotions will hit a new level of intensity. SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23RD- NOVEMBER 21ST) Don't follow the crowd. It's important to be yourself regardless of what others think. A friend will ask for your advice on Friday, but this person might need professional guidance. Search for a moment of Zen on Sunday. Find a quiet nook in which to unwind this weekend. SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22ND-DECEMBER 21ST) Update your wardrobe, as it's a great time to overhaul your image. Pay close attention to detail on Wednesday. A careless error will prove to be very costly later. You'll possess a new sense of boldness. No one will be allowed to intimidate you! Don't procrastinate on Saturday. CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22ND-JANUARY 19TH) Forgive yourself for a past mistake - you're only human. It's time to move on both mentally and emotionally. Determination is the key to your success on Wednesday. If you keep trying, you'll finally win the prize! Be careful of your movements, look both ways before crossing a busy street. AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20TH-FEBRUARY 18TH) You may undergo a life-altering experience on Tuesday. This event will change your view of the world. A mentor will come your way on Thursday and this person will help you achieve a cherished goal. Strut your stuff before others on Sunday; you'll have an abundance of the "wow" factor this weekend. PISCES (FEBRUARY 19TH-MARCH 20TH) A wonderful new career opportunity will appear. You may find your dream job! A friend may inadvertently pass on false gossip. You may feel pulled in two different directions on Thursday and choosing the right path to walk will prove difficult. A plan may hit a snag on Saturday.
TAKE A BREAK 2 cups masa corn flour (tortilla flour) Warm water as required 1/4 Teaspoon salt Oil (for frying) For the topping - Beans, meat of your choice, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, cotija cheese and sour cream
SOPES By María Morote
Directions Pour masa and salt into a bowl, add water to moisten. The kneaded dough should be slightly sticky to the touch. Form into balls the size of a large egg. Place a piece of plastic wrap on a tortilla press or your kitchen counter. Place the ball of masa in then center, and then cover with the remaining plastic. Press until the tortilla is formed and about 1/4 inch thick. Heat a flat griddle plate or comal on medium high, cook each sope for 1 minute. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Place on a paper towel. Pinch from the inside of the sope around the edges to form a raised rim, similar to a tostada. Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees. Fry each sope on both sides for 3 minutes. Drain oil on paper towels. Serve topped with beans or meat of your choice, and then top with your choice of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro and crumbly cheese such as cotija or sour cream.
FIND ME A HOME
Three 2 month old female kittens looking for a loving home, spayed, vaccinated and dewormed. Want to give them a forever home? Call Dra Erica Flores 984 876 2834
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CLASSIFIEDS CURRY OMM, the only Indian restaurant in Playa offering authentic Indian food 984 873 1516 www.letseat.at/ curryomm. MAS MAIL CENTER INC MAILBOX RENTAL & COURRIER POSTAL SERVICES. LOCAL 3 HOTEL TUKAN 984 87 315 41 (Entre 14 Bis y 16 Norte) LETSGOPDC. Playa del Carmen Vacation Rentals, Condos and Houses. Choose from over 300 properties. www.letsgopdc.com ALEX CORBANEZI Hair and Make up to your door, haircuts, color, treatments and makeup 9841687055 ENJOY A NIGHT out while I take care of the kids, need professional babysitter. Call +524441658800 or email gordaflowers@gmail.com MARCOS KAMALEON, custom framing with the best price and quality in Playa
North American Standards Property Management, Rentals & Sales at their Best Playa del Carmen , México www.nasplaya.com Call or email us today 984 873 35 48 rentals@nasplaya.com
del Carmen. www.marcoskamaleon.com 90 MINUTES of Ayurvedic Massage,Reflexology,and Reiki. MX$500 . Oracle Card readings Mx$200. 984 115 1422 - Sharonlee paradiseonthego@ gmail.com DO YOU WANT A HONDA CAR? Andrés Villagómez 984 10 68 440 andreshondaplaya@gmail.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS The Playa Times wants to become the official chronicler of all the great and significant events within our community. That is why we have created this space. Send us your announcements celebrating special moments in your lives – weddings, engagements, births, anniversaries, “moving back” or “settling in”, new business launches – whatever touches your life is important to us and to the community. These announcements are free and will appear as quickly as we can publish them. Please send along a picture! Contact us at info@theplayatimes.com.
October 15-22 2013
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Authorized Distribution Centers STORES In Puerto Aventuras, Akumal & Paamul BOKANOVA DENTISTS Plaza Paraiso, 10th Ave. FERRY TERMINAL 5th Ave. TOURIST INFORMATION FERRY TERMINAL 5th Ave. SENOR FROG’S Nr Ferry 5th Ave. XOCOLATIER Restaurant 5th Ave. & 38th WAH WAH Bar 2nd & the beach. BAD BOYS bar 4th & the beach. ADO Terminal 5th Ave. PEZ VELA Restaurant 5th Ave. & 2nd KARENS Restaurant 5th Ave. & 2nd LA VAGABUNDA Restaurant 5th Ave. & 24th/26th LAS RANCHERAS Restaurant 5th Ave. ZENZI Beach Club 10th & the beach. COLIBRI Hotel 1st & 10th & 12th LA RANA CANSADA HOTEL 5th & 10th AQUA LUNA Hotel 10th & 14th BIG LOBSTER Restaurant 5th Ave. PLAZA 5TA AVENUE Gallery CASA ADELA Restaurant 5th Ave & 6th/8th JUNGLA CARIBE Hotel 5th Ave & 8th MI PUEBLO Restaurant 5th Ave. LA PARRILA Restaurant 5th Ave. & 6th/8th TROPICAL Restaurant 5th Ave. & 8th/10th SIESTA FIESTA Hotel 5th Ave. & 6th/8th FAH Restaurante 5th Ave 8th/10th ULA GULA Restaurante 5th Ave. & 10th 100% NATURAL Restaurante 5th Ave. & 10th/11th AZUL Hotel 5th Ave. & 10th/12th TEQUILA BARREL Bar 5th Ave. & 10th/12th MESTIZZO Restaurant 30th Ave. & 24th DA BRUNO Restaurant 5th Ave. & 12th FRIDA Restaurant 5th Ave. & 12th EZ Bar 5thAve. & 12th/14th PARRILLA ARGENTINA Restaurant 10th Ave. & 6th/8th LA CAPRICHOSA Restaurant 5th Ave. North MADRE TIERRA Restaurant 5th Ave &14th ALDEA CORAZON Café 5th Ave. & 14th/16th BOSTON GRILL Restaurante 5th Ave. & 14th LOS TULIPANES Restaurante 5th Ave. & 14th LIVING GARDEN Bar 5th Ave. & 14th AH CACAO 5th Ave. & Constituyentes MARQUITOS Internet 5th Ave. & 16th MAMITAS Bar 28th & the beach. BROchetas Restaurante 28 Norte & 1st Ave. MODULO DE TURISMO 16th Norte LA VACA GAUCHA Restaurant 5th Ave. & 24th TEXAS BURGUER Restaurante 5th Ave. & 30th/22nd CASTILLO DEL MAR Hotel 5th Ave. & 26th LA CHOPERIA Bar 5th Ave. & 26th WATCH MY WATCH Boutique 5th Ave. & 26th PINEDA COVALIN Boutique 5th Ave. 26th /28th AH CACAO Café 5th Ave. y 30th LA TROUPE Restaurant 5th Ave. & 30th CARAVAN Art 5th Ave. & 36th DELI SMART mini super & café 5th Ave. & 26th BANANA Hotel 5th Ave & 36th REAL PLAYA Hotel 5th Ave. & 34th MI PUEBLO Restaurant 5th Ave. & 34th CHEZ CELINE Restaurant 5th & 34th KAUSSA Boutique 5th Ave. & 38th PIOLA Pizzería. & 38th MAHEKAL Hotel 38th and the beach. MODULO DE TURISMO 5th Ave. & 38th LES ALIZES Condominiums 10th & 44th PASION Hotel 10th Ave. & 15th/20th HAPPY GECKO Hostel 10th Ave. & 6th/8th CHECK Pharmacy BANORTE Bank Plaza Pelicanos FRUTIYOGURTH Restaurant Plaza Pelicanos HACIENDA REAL Hotel 10th & 10th COCODRILO Hotel 10th & 16th USE Car rental SCUBA DIVE PLAYA LA JARRA Bar HACIENDA MARIA BONITA hotel DELI MARKET CURRENT Restaurant 10th Ave & 16th HERTZ Car rental SCUBA MEX DIVING CENTER PAAMUL LISTA DE DISTRIBUIDORES RUTA PLAYA DEL CARMEN
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COMUNNITY
YOGA for EveryBody
By Arielle Thomas
I
f you’ve stayed in Playa del Carmen for any length of time, you’ve most likely heard stories about the early days of Playa from the ‘old timers’ who settled here when La quinta avenida (5th Avenue) didn’t run any further north than Calle 6, there was only one public phone that everyone had to stand in line to use, and the Blue Parrot, (then a hippie hotel with hammocks), was only reachable by an old beach road that ran parallel to the sea as streets weren’t yet built to connect the Parrot to the rest of town. My twelve years experience living in Playa places me between the seasoned local veterens and the New Wave of arrivees who came after me from the US, Canada, Italy, Argentina, Spain, France, and all parts of Mexico. When I plopped my suitcase down in 2001, Playa seemed like a town out of the Wild Wild West. You could be whoever you wanted to be. Or pretend to be. Ronnie Berger, owner of the then popular Java Joe’s breakfast café with her (now deceased) husband Joel Gersh, would say, “Playa is the land of the wanted, and the unwanted,” referrring to Playa’s divergent populace. It’s true that Playa’s beautiful beaches and laid back lifestyle have attracted both sinners and saints. A balance exists between people who like to party by night and those who live healthy by day. Sometimes they are one and the same. Whether you’re watching the sun come up because you’ve been up all night dancing in the clubs, or you’re at the beach at daybreak to greet the new day by meditating, it’s hard to live in Playa these days without running into someone on their way to yoga class sporting Lululemon yoga togs, with a yoga mat tucked under their arm. What is it about this ancient system of health and well being from India that appeals to young and old alike? What can yoga give you that other forms of exercise does not? Yoga is unique in that it combines physical exercise with mental focus and relaxation. It can reduce stress by lowering blood pressure and improving blood circulation. It increases the release of endorphins, which are your natural feel good hormones, and improves balance, strenth, and flexibility. It sharpens your me-
STOP TALKING, START PLANTING By Gema García
mory, teaches patience and discipline, and encourages living in the Now moment. By concentrating on executing the yoga positions or ‘asanas’ as they are called in Sanskrit, the traditional language of yoga, you learn how to listen to your body and increase mindfullness. Yoga’s meditation and special breathing execises foster inner peace and calm. If that’s not enough, yoga can improve your golf or tennis game, give you more bone density (good for women over 40), and detoxify and improve your organ function, which is the perfect antidote for your liver after a night on the town! The uninitiated might wonder, ‘What actually happens in a yoga class?’ Although techniques differ from one branch of yoga to another, most classes usually start with awareness on the breath or a meditation in order to let go of the everyday concerns and enter a more tranquil inner space. There are often warm ups done for the spine and limbs, followed by poses done sitting or standing, depending on the theme of the class. Many classes will include: poses to increase strength in the torso and legs; a balance pose or two; an inversion, which could be as user-friendly as Downward Dog; Sun Salutations, which links a series of poses together in a flowing manner; some stretching; a twist for the spine; and finally, the part most people seem to love the most – Savasana, or Corpse pose, where you get to lie on the floor in repose at the end of class and relax. In addition, some classes include guided meditations, chanting, and healing visualizations.
No longer a sleepy little fishing town, Playa has grown into a hub of yoga activity. Many studios have sprung up in recent years and a wide menue of class options are available, from Yoga for Beginners, to Hatha Yoga, to Kundalini Yoga which emphasizes breathing patterns in conjuntion to rhythmic movements, to the physical demanding Ashtanga or Vinyasa classes, which include push up type movements to increase upper body strenth and stamina. When checking out a yoga studio, a useful guide is to ask whether: • instructors are certified with the Yoga Alliance in either the US, or in Mexico • optional poses are offered to students to provide a multi-level experience • teachers give students suggestions to help them perform the poses correctly • Savasana is included, as it’s an essential means for integrating the benefits of poses • breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditaiton are taught – every ligitimate school should include them Whether you’re a swimmer, jogger, kiteboader, gym rat, coach potatoe, or night owl, let yoga be your remedy to come into balance, feel great, and enjoy our beautiful Caribbean neighborhood called the Riviera Maya. Arielle Thomas Newman is a yoga teacher, journalist, choreographer and former professional dancer. She has called Mexico home for 12 years and enjoys cooking, reading, and swims most every day in the Caribbean Sea.
In order to make the downtown area a more charming and greener environment, last Saturday the mayor of Solidaridad, Mauricio Góngora Escalante, initiated the program “Get Involved with Reforestation” at Avenida Constituyentes and 10th St. where they planted twelve palm trees as well as several other local species. According to the biologist, Rafael Reinoso Valdez, these basic elements will guarantee a continued growth of vegetation. Municipal authorities attended and supported the event dedicated to protecting the environment. The program is partnered with the international foundation “Plan For The Planet” as a part of the worldwide campaign “Stop Talking, Start Planting” in which Mexico
has taken an active role. In 2012 they have planted 472 trees of different species, 80% of which were planted in Quintana Roo, mostly in the municipalities of Solidaridad and Benito Juárez. The mayor spoke especially to the boys and girls attending the event whilst promoting the reforestation program: “We are going to seed and plant every tree. You kids have no one to thank, on the contrary we thank you for teaching us to take care of nature”. One of the aims of the program is that visitors to the Riviera Maya may be able to enjoy a truly green city; with this in mind the initial planting took place on one of the main and most frequently visited streets in Playa del Carmen. The hope of the organizers is to recover green areas that have been destroyed by urban growth.